We have a pretty large selection of oriental rugs here at Rugknots, with inspiration drawn from the Atlas Mountains all the way down to western Iran. It’s a cultured collection that absolutely has the right rug for you. So let’s find it.

Some of these rugs are known for their durability. Others have made a name for themselves with stunning patterns and bold colors. In order for you to make sense of this amazing selection we have put together a list of 7 types of Oriental rugs with pictures.

Where Bokhara Rugs Are From

The Bokhara Oriental holds its roots in central Asia, where the Tekke tribe focused their patterning on strong lines and rich colors. They’ve actually been perfecting Bokharas for about 500 years now, so it’s no wonder the designs are so eye catching.

Bokhara Patterns

The geometric shapes on a Bokhara rug go well with rooms painted in block colours. Somehow the dazzling craftsmanship really stands out.

Where To Put A Bokhara

We think a Bokhara is best used breaking up a dining and sitting area, because they have that rare capability to stand alone. Not every rug can act as a go between in this way.

Durability

Those iconic patterns are honored here at Rugknots with a heavy, luxurious pile. Soft to the touch and reassuringly thick.

Then there is the famous durability, which means you won’t need to worry about putting it in a high traffic area.

Price

Despite that obvious quality, these rugs remain at good value within our collection. This is especially handy because Bokhara Oriental rugs tend to look at home in just about every setting. You might even be tempted to grab more than one.

Ikat Origins

Not many other rugs combine tradition with today’s trends as well as the neutral toned Ikat. But how do they do it?

And why are so many homeowners rushing to buy them?

Ikat rugs get their name from the process in which they are made. It’s an ancient dyeing technique that results in blurred lines of cloth.

Ikat Patterns & Colors

So why are so many homeowners using Ikat’s to redesign their homes? We think it has something to do with their color palette, made up of ivories, beiges and greys that hold a room’s color base.

Where To Put An Ikat Rug

With an Ikat, you can build upwards in a number of styles, from the boldness of eclectic to the relaxed themes of traditional. The Ikat rug is perhaps the most adaptable oriental rug on our list and could work just about anywhere in your house.

Don’t be fooled by the apparently relaxed attitude to geometrics because these rugs are still perfectly symmetrical. Look closer and you will see stunning, butterfly like designs painstakingly dyed into the fabric.

Name Meaning

The texture of Kilim Dhurrie rugs is what sets them apart from others. The name is actually from a Persian word meaning ‘spreading roughly.’

The Weave

You will notice the rising and falling of the carpet weave in a Kilim Dhurrie, which is why they feel so comfortable to walk on. They really bring a sense of warmth and snugness into a bathroom, kitchen or hallway.

Don’t buy slippers, buy Dhurries!

It’s that extra level of texture that has prompted western designers to use them for the purpose of adding depth to a room’s lower levels. And you can’t blame them can you?

Lightweight Rugs

As well as this unique texture, Kilim Dhurrie’s also differ in weight compared with other Oriental rugs. They are lighter and drop easily into hallways and breakfast bars without any trouble. It’s great because you don’t have to make a huge effort with these adaptable ‘flatweave’ carpets.

Design

Although they are different in many ways, you will find a Dhurries’ colour and boldness similar to other oriental rugs.

Dots & Floral Patterns

The fine details of Pak Persian’s are what make them stand out from other rugs. You may have already noticed the small dots that make up the traditional floral and curved patterns of Persia and Pakistan.

It’s hard not to imagine the swirling designs taking pride of place in your home. Maybe in a relaxed lounge or renovated basement.

These rugs really are stunning. And it comes from those branches of rich colour that almost mirror the sky at night.

Quality Craftsmanship

To make them, our craftsmen produce a staggering 256 knots per square inch. Some rugs have less than 100.

Location

It’s tiring work but so worth it in the end. If you’re interested, the knots are specific to Sennah, now Sanandaj, which is a Kurdish city in western Iran that developed the technique generations ago.

Perfect For Renovations

Back in the United States, the Pak Persian has become a favorite with homeowners looking to reinvent dreary rooms or bring some real color into a family space.

Mysterious History

The history of the Soumak Rug holds some mystery. Historians are unsure about exactly where they were first made and where the word comes from.

What we can say for sure is the Soumak rug is a finely woven, hardy rug that brings with it a real sense of luxury. If you’re looking for absolute quality then this is it.

Patterns & Motifs

The patterning almost plays a second role to the craftsmanship of these rugs. And there’s an awful lot to be said about owning a quality, long lasting product in today’s throwaway culture.

However, we don’t want to ignore the design just because the quality is so high. The repeated motifs are beautifully woven. The borderlines are as intricate as you will find anywhere. And any empty spaces are filled with flowing patterns.

Get a Soumak rug and have a centrepiece. They are something to talk about. Not just for you but also for the generations that inherit it after you.

Where They Are From

In the most southern parts of Morocco, beneath the Atlas Mountains, the Berber people have long created some of the finest rugs in the world.

Everything about these thick rugs is inspired by those snow capped mountains pointing out of the sahara. So you can expect a rug that will bring warmth to even the chilliest room.

Heavy Pile & Coziness

Just look at the heavy pile and unbelievable coziness of these rugs. It’s all because of the environment they were first made in. And now they find themselves in our homes. They are being snapped up by homeowners looking for real comfort. A rug to walk barefoot on and feel snug.

It goes without saying that there aren’t many better options when it comes to covering hardwood surfaces in your home.

Simple Designs

The designs are simple, linear and a great example of that inevitable trend of old becoming new and fashionable again.

In this case a full circle of design trend lasting around 1,000 years. We have seen them paired up with sleek, modern furniture and neutral wall colors.

Conclusion

We hope you have a better idea of exactly what Oriental rug is best for you after taking a look at our list. Sometimes even I get a bit dizzy looking through all of the Oriental rugs on offer.

I definitely feel a bit clearer about my preferred designs now. Shhhhh, it’s the Pak Persian. So good. If you have any more questions or have your own favorite, just let us know in the comment box below.